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Contract Relay Protection Engineer Jobs in California

Relay Technician II

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$45 - $67/hr

The technician will continue developing expertise in relay protection schemes, system analysis, and advanced testing practices while working closely with Senior Relay Technicians and Engineers.

The technician will continue developing expertise in relay protection schemes, system analysis, and advanced testing practices while working closely with Senior Relay Technicians and Engineers.

Showing results 21-40

Contract Relay Protection Engineer information

What is a contract relay protection engineer?

Contract Relay Protection Engineers are specialized professionals who design, test, and maintain protective relay systems for electrical power networks on a contract basis. Their main role is to ensure the safety and reliability of electrical systems by preventing damage from faults such as short circuits or equipment failures. Working as contractors, they may serve utilities, industrial clients, or engineering firms for specific projects or periods of time. They are responsible for relay settings, system coordination, troubleshooting, and compliance with industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract relay protection engineer?

To thrive as a Contract Relay Protection Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, experience with power system protection, and typically a bachelor's degree in engineering or related field. Familiarity with relay coordination software (such as SEL, GE, or ABB), AutoCAD, and relevant protection standards (IEEE, NERC) is essential, and a Professional Engineer (PE) license is often preferred. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the reliable design, installation, and maintenance of protective relay systems that safeguard electrical grids and infrastructure.

What are some common challenges faced by contract relay protection engineers when working with different utility clients?

Contract Relay Protection Engineers often encounter varying design standards, documentation practices, and communication protocols when partnering with different utility clients. Adapting quickly to each client's specific requirements and ensuring compliance with their protection schemes can be challenging. Additionally, balancing multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining high-quality deliverables requires strong organizational skills. Effective collaboration with both in-house teams and client representatives is essential for successful project execution.

What is the difference between Contract Relay Protection Engineer vs Substation Engineer?

AspectContract Relay Protection EngineerSubstation Engineer
CertificationsRelay protection certifications, electrical engineering licensesElectrical engineering licenses, substation design certifications
Work EnvironmentField and project sites, electrical substations, power plantsSubstation facilities, project planning, and design offices
Employer & IndustryPower utilities, electrical contractors, energy companiesUtility companies, engineering firms, infrastructure developers

The Contract Relay Protection Engineer primarily focuses on designing, testing, and commissioning relay protection systems within electrical substations, ensuring system reliability. In contrast, a Substation Engineer oversees the overall design, construction, and maintenance of substations. Both roles require electrical engineering expertise and certifications, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ, with the relay protection engineer specializing in protection systems and the substation engineer managing broader substation operations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Relay Protection Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Relay Protection Engineer jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Contract Relay Protection Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Contract Relay Protection Engineer job openings:

Relay Protection Electrical Technician - IBEW

Newark, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description


  • Complete documentation and test reports for internal and Federal, State and local regulatory compliance

  • Perform electrical power switching

  • Test, troubleshoot and configure remote control and data acquisition systems, including SCADA and EMS

  • Plan and schedule work, including submitting clearance applications to the Operations Control Center

  • Test and commission integrated and non-integrated electrical systems, including switchgear and network relays

  • Direct and train Electrical Technician apprentices and may direct Electricians

  • Program, install, calibrate, test, troubleshoot and maintain electromechanical, solid-state and microprocessor protective relays, automation and control systems, including synchronized end-to-end protection systems

  • Maintain and make field revisions to engineering documents and drawings

  • Lift, carry and install tools, parts and equipment weighing up to 100 pounds across challenging terrain and elevated structures

  • Maneuver on stairs, ladders, scaffolding and uneven or potentially hazardous surfaces

  • Operate a company vehicle

  • Pack and move equipment, power/hand tools and materials

  • Work with other technicians to test and install equipment

  • Record and file test results

  • Work safely according to PG&E standards and procedures

  • Perform other responsibilities as assigned based on business need


Requirements

  • Must be at least 18 years of age

  • Must possess a High School diploma, GED or equivalent work experience

  • Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License or ability to obtain on 1st day of hire

  • Ability to work in all types of weather extremes

  • Ability to drive safely in all weather and road conditions

  • Ability to work extended hours, nights, weekends and holidays

  • Must be able to wear company-provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Must be able to lift 100 pounds a minimum of one time a day

  • 3 year experience testing protective relay equipment in a power station or high voltage substation or electrical technician specific training and education

  • Ability to calibrate, install, maintain, operate, troubleshoot, repair and test protective relays and associated equipment

  • Knowledge of microprocessor and electromechanical protective relay systems

  • Knowledge of substation and electric utility protection systems

  • Knowledge of SCADA, EMS, station automation and supervisory control systems

  • Ability to comprehend equipment labels, safety signs and technical materials

  • Ability to complete daily logs and required documentation

  • Ability to travel/transfer to a new headquarters upon request

  • Desired: four-year degree in Electrical Engineering OR two-year Associate's Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology and two years of experience in relay and control

  • Desired: previous Journeyman Electrical Technician experience with two or more years of experience in relay and control

  • Desired: high-voltage electrical experience

  • Desired: ability to navigate and read information in MS Word and MS Excel

  • Desired: previous military experience in Power Production

  • PG&E employees must qualify on prerequisite and secondary pre-employment tests, including the Apprentice Electrical Technician Test, Physical Test Battery, and Work Orientation Inventory-Physical/Technical Driving


Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in testing, troubleshooting, and maintaining protective relay systems and associated equipment, with a strong focus on regulatory compliance and safety standards. Proficient in SCADA and EMS systems, with the ability to lead and train technicians in a high-voltage electrical environment.


Highest-signal resume keywords

  • Testing Protective Relay Equipment

  • SCADA and EMS Systems

  • Electrical System Commissioning

  • High-Voltage Electrical Experience

  • California Driver's License


Hard Skills

  • Testing and Troubleshooting

  • Calibrating Protective Relays

  • Installing Automation and Control Systems

  • Maintaining Electrical Systems

  • Documenting Test Results

  • Performing Electrical Power Switching

  • Configuring Data Acquisition Systems

  • Directing Electrical Technicians

  • Understanding Safety Regulations

  • Lifting Heavy Equipment


Soft Skills

  • Team Collaboration

  • Effective Communication

  • Adaptability to Weather Conditions

  • Attention to Detail

  • Problem-Solving


Certifications & Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or GED

  • California Driver's License

  • Apprentice Electrical Technician Test

  • Physical Test Battery

  • Work Orientation Inventory-Physical/Technical Driving


Industry Keywords

  • Electrical Technician

  • Substation Protection Systems

  • Microprocessor Relay Systems

  • Electric Utility

  • Power Production


Tools & Technologies

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Power/Hand Tools

  • Engineering Documentation

  • Field Revision ToolsCompany Vehicle

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